Doctor's Probation Opposed

MANCHESTER — The state has opposed a request by an East Hartford doctor who has been accused of practicing medicine without a license to apply for special probation.

Jan David Silberstein, 54, faces multiple charges involving three former patients who police say were treated by Silberstein after his medical license was suspended.

Lawyers are scheduled to argue Oct. 6. whether Silberstein should be granted accelerated rehabilitation, a special program through which a defendant with no previous record can avoid prosecution by agreeing to probation, usually with conditions imposed by the judge.

Silberstein's lawyer, Richard R. Brown, said Silberstein has ``led a crime-free life and the state of Connecticut says under certain circumstances people who have strayed over the line are entitled to a second opportunity with certain conditions.''

Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Cynthia M. Baer declined to comment about the case, which was heard in Superior Court in Manchester.

Silberstein was arrested in April after police were contacted by the state Department of Public Health. Authorities interviewed a former patient who was treated by Silberstein at Medspa, his office at 991 Main St., while his license was under suspension. According to court documents, Silberstein's license was suspended on March 16.

After Silberstein's arrest, two more patients told authorities that Silberstein had treated them. Contacted after the court hearing, one of those patients, Catherine Villwock, said she is glad the state opposed Silberstein's request.

``He was well-advised not to practice,'' she said, ``and he doesn't deserve'' accelerated rehabilitation.